Functions of Media

Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski wins write-in bid

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/senate/murkowski-wins-reelection.html?hpid=artslot

This particular article illustrates media acting as a scorekeeper. This article represents scorekeeper because it gives the results of the Alaskan senator race. Its purpose is to show that republicans won Alaska because republican Lisa Murkowski beat tea party candidate Joe Miller and the democratic candidate. Scorekeeper articles generally are about political races, which is why this article is a legitimate example.

Ahmed Ghailani, Gitmo detainee, acquitted of all but 1 charge in NY

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/11/17/AR2010111705663.html

This article is an example of gatekeeper because this article would most likely be widely unnoticed by the people if unpublished. Many people would not know that Ahmed Ghailani was acquitted of only one charge if this article was not published, but since this was published it is an example of gatekeeper media. That is why this is an example of a gatekeeper media.

In memoir, Bush spins fiscal fiction

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/11/16/AR2010111604942.html

This article represents watchdog media because it criticizes the increase in debt that Bush caused, also it looks at decisions like Medicare, and tax cuts in an unfavorable view. The Washington post used this media watchdog to criticize George Bush’s fiscal deficits. Articles that criticize can generally be associated with watchdog media. A public figure (George Bush) was criticized due to his recent book about his accomplishments and failures, and this article keeps us up to date with the many views of his presidency and book.